Clinic Prof. Wins ACLU Award

University of Miami law professor Bernard P. Perlmutter is the 2005 recipient of Miami ACLU’s C. Clyde Atkins Civil Liberties Award. Perlmutter, who is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Legal Education and Director of the Children and Youth Law Clinic, received the award for his extensive work regarding legal protection for juveniles.

In making the award, the ACLU issued the following statement:  "As a litigator and professor, Bernard Perlmutter has been an unsung hero providing front-line protection of the civil liberties of children. Bernie represented the child M.W. before the Florida Supreme Court in the landmark case of M.W. v. Davis & DCF, which resulted in the Court's adoption of Florida Rule of Juvenile Procedure 8.350, which establishes due process protections for foster children committed to state psychiatric facilities. Bernie has litigated numerous federal and state class action lawsuits seeking to reform Florida's foster care system, and submitted amicus curiae briefs in a number of cases of national significance. Whether arguing a case on behalf of an individual child, training law students, or fighting for institutional reform, Bernie Perlmutter has been a powerful advocate for children's rights. The Miami ACLU is indeed proud to honor Bernard Perlmutter with the 2005 C. Clyde Atkins Civil Liberties Award."

You can see Perlmutter's bio here.